While you're there, don't forget to pan for some gold. Dahlonega is the site of the first major U.S. gold rush. A U.S. mint was established there in 1837. In fact, the expression "thar's gold in them thar hills" came from Dahlonega when panners were leaving the region for Sutter's Mill in California, and a government man wanted to remind them that there was still gold in the hills around Dahlonega. Georgia's capitol building in Atlanta is covered in gold from Dahlonega supplied by volunteer panners. I was involved, but embarrassed to admit how little I contributed.

Bob

Robert T. LeverettCo-founder and Executive DirectorNative Native Tree SocietyCo-founder and PresidentFriends of Mohawk Trail State Forest